Big Bear Valley Historical Museum

Visiting Big Bear for a few days so we wanted to find things to keep the kiddos busy and make it enjoyable. It was only $5 for adults and kids 14 and under are free. All the staff were very friendly and shared about the history but made it interesting for the kids and adults. They had a gold rush activity the kids enjoyed. Restrooms were clean and on site. Parking was free. They interacted with the kiddos at the blacksmith center and they all were given a little sword as a souvenir.

The Big Bear Valley Museum was an unexpected pleasure! We stopped expecting a building with pictures and history. Boy were we surprised to visit all the authentic buildings preserved from the 1800's and early 1900's with a multitude of authentic artifacts from those times. It was so interesting to see how people lived during those times. I don't think I'll ever complain about housework again!

Really worth a visit to the variety of historical buildings and impressive exhibits and collections. We went on a very warm day so we appreciated the ability to purchase cold water bottles! Especially enjoyed the blacksmith's demonstrations.

We went for a wine event with barrel 33, what a gem! The kids had fun and had lots of space to run around and learn! They got to learn how toPan for gold, and how they made knives and such with iron working! Really great staff, and lots to learn ! Thanks for the experience!

I had a great time visiting the museum today. From the street it is very deceiving on how big the property is. The museum is made up of multiple buildings including original structures from the area dating back over a hundred years! The buildings are filled with interesting period items that the historical group has collected over many years. I thought I would be able to see everything in an hour or so, but I was very wrong! I got caught up in looking at all the vintage items inside and outside of the buildings. The absolute best part we're the volunteers! They made the whole place come alive by explaining and demonstrating the use of the old tools. The demonstrations included real Blacksmiths, a giant rock crushing mill, and a "Real" Deputy walking around! If you are in Big Bear this place is a great place to go and learn about the history of the area.

Been here on several occasions. I am a history nerd and I love museums. I've dragged my 3 boys to too many museums to count. This is the only one my middle son has ever enjoyed, lol. They are all grown now and I went by myself. $5 entry fee, blacksmith demonstration and panning for "gold" (pyrite) included. They have redecorated since my last visit and the entrance is now further down Greenway. Note that this museum operates 58 days a year. That's Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day only. If you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year. The docents are always ready to educate and answer questions, some even dress in character. The museum is run strictly by volunteers and that's remarkable. I love strolling around and taking my time. This is certainly a worthwhile place for people of all ages to spend an hour or so wandering around learning about Big Bear's very interesting past. You can even enjoy a delicious, iced cold Sarsaparilla in the Cantina. The gift shop has many books if the visit piqued your interest in the history of Big Bear Valley, plus some t-shirts, mugs, and the like. I already own all the books and know most all of Big Bear's history, but seeing some of these displays is very pleasing to behold. Great job docents. Big Bear never ceases to astonish me.

This place was so awesome--and run by the absolute sweetest employees. They were knowledgeable, helpful, and great with the kids. The gold panning was so much fun! And FREE!! Adults pay a minimal entrance fee. Kids are free. And they get these cute little glass vials to put their "gold" in. The kids also each got a mini "sword" from the blacksmith. And got to watch the blacksmith work the metal. He was super funny and engaging. The displays/cabins were all so cool. This would be a great place for a family picnic and adventure. They have a super cute area behind the nice, clean restroom, with tables and pergolas all set up. Highly recommend!!!

If you're a history buff like me, you'll appreciate the work they do here. Great historical knowledge for locals and visitors alike.

.The museum is a seasonal, volunteer-run facility that opens on Memorial Day Weekend and closes on Labor Day. Visitors can watch blacksmiths create items in their forge, explore docent-led rooms showcasing historical buildings from Big Bear Valley, and see a working stamp mill. There's even a "Surry with the Fringe on Top" and many other exciting experiences to view. Children can pan for "gold" in a sluice box filled with concentrates and take their findings home. The museum operates from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day Monday, open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, and entry is free for children. The museum is dog-friendly and features a picnic area--so feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy your day at the museum!Do you miss Old Miner's Days of the past, they are having an Old Miner's Day Celebration Aug 2-3, 2025!

Words cannot truly capture how incredible this museum is. Initially, we visited the local zoo but left after just 15 minutes due to its small size and the $16 admission fee, which left us a bit disheartened in our search for more to do in Big Bear.However, discovering this museum turned out to be a delightful surprise. We ended up spending three hours exploring and were captivated by the rich history of Big Bear. The museum is run by dedicated elder volunteers who are deeply passionate about preserving historical buildings and sharing their stories. Engaging with them was a highlight--please make sure to ask them about the history of each building; their enthusiasm and knowledge are truly enriching.The blacksmith section was a standout experience. The blacksmiths are true artisans, and seeing their skill in action was fascinating. Their ability to transform metal into intricate, sculpture-like pieces is nothing short of extraordinary. If you're fortunate, you might even leave with a handcrafted peanut butter spoon!Towards the back of the museum, we stumbled upon a replica Saloon/Barbershop/Dentist setup. We were intrigued to learn that in the past, barbers often doubled as dentists, and many would visit a saloon beforehand to numb themselves before dental procedures. The exhibit also featured Asian artifacts, which, despite their somber history, were presented with a commendable level of openness and respect.They also just opened up a really cute picnic area, so pack a lunch!This museum visit has undoubtedly become one of my favorite memories from Big Bear. I will note that adults/ older kids may have more fun at this location.